react

/riˈækt/ (bre, ipa) · /riˈækt/ (ame, ipa) · /rē-ˈakt/ (ame, mw)

react — verb

  • reactpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • reactshe / she / it
  • reactedpast simple
  • reacting-ing form

1. to take a particular action, express a feeling, or experience an emotion because

1.動詞不及物B1
釋義

to take a particular action, express a feeling, or experience an emotion because of something that has just occurred, often without pausing to think.

例句

Sven reacted to the bad news by taking a deep breath and staying silent.

react + to [stimulus] + by [action]

When the fire alarm rang, Sayaka calmly helped her classmates leave the room.

同義詞
  • respond

    more deliberate and less automatic than 'react'; suggests thought before action

  • answer

    specifically verbal; used when someone replies to a question or call

  • retort

    implies a quick, sharp, or witty reply, often in an argument

反義詞
  • ignore

    to deliberately not react or pay attention to something

文法句型

react + to + noun/pronoun

react + by + -ing form

react + with + emotion noun

用法筆記

Commonly takes the preposition 'to' to introduce the trigger, and 'by' + gerund to describe the action taken. The subject can be a person, an animal, or an abstract entity such as a market or organisation. An adverb of manner (calmly, angrily, strongly) often directly follows the verb.

常見錯誤

❌How did she react the news?
✅How did she react to the news?
💡'react' cannot take a direct object; use the preposition 'to' before the trigger.

2. to undergo a chemical or physical change through exposure to another substance,

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to undergo a chemical or physical change through exposure to another substance, typically yielding one or more different materials or giving off energy.

例句

When sodium metal is placed in water, it reacts very quickly and produces hydrogen gas.

react + with [substance] + produces [result]

The chemistry teacher showed how copper reacts with oxygen to form a dark coating.

react + with [substance] + to form [result]

文法句型

react + with + noun (substance)

react + to form + noun (result)

用法筆記

In scientific contexts, the preposition 'with' introduces the other substance involved. The result of the reaction is commonly introduced by 'to form' or a result clause starting with 'and'. This sense is often used in the passive or with cautionary verbs like prevent, stop, or avoid.

常見錯誤

❌The acid reacted the metal.
✅The acid reacted with the metal.
💡In chemistry, 'react' takes the preposition 'with', not a direct object.

3. to behave in a way that shows resistance or disagreement towards rules, authorit

3.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to behave in a way that shows resistance or disagreement towards rules, authority, traditions, or social expectations, often by refusing to follow them.

例句

Arjun reacted against his parents' wishes by studying music instead of medicine.

react + against [expectation/authority]

The school's strict dress code made many students react against it by wearing casual clothes.

react + against [rule] + by [action]

同義詞
  • rebel

    stronger than 'react against'; implies active, determined defiance

  • resist

    focuses on the act of withstanding or fighting back, often less emotional

  • push back

    informal; suggests a less organised or less intense form of opposition

反義詞
  • accept

    to comply with rules or expectations rather than oppose them

  • conform

    to follow accepted rules, standards, or social norms

文法句型

react + against + noun/pronoun

用法筆記

Requires the preposition 'against' to introduce the target of opposition. Distinguish from Sense 1: 'react to' means simply 'respond', whereas 'react against' specifically implies resistance or defiance. Common in political, social, and generational contexts.

常見錯誤

❌Teenagers often react to strict parents by staying out late.' (when meaning 'oppose').
✅Teenagers often react against strict parents by staying out late.
💡Use 'react against' for opposition; 'react to' simply means 'respond'.